By Laura Baas | Managing Director
During the year 2022, Mundo de Talentos carried out four projects in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico, with a total of 260 students. The four projects include:
1 group of 20 5th grade students from different primary schools in Oaxaca
Below, we present the details of these four projects.
2022 was the fourth consecutive year in which Mundo de Talentos was able to implement its program with two groups of fifth and sixth grade students from public elementary schools in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas. During the first semester of 2022 we continued with a pandemic situation where many families still did not participate in extracurricular activities. Even during January, we had to suspend some sessions due to the high rates of infection with the coronavirus. Fortunately, we noticed a big difference from the start of the 2022-2023 school year when many more new participants wanted to enroll than we can accept into the program. During the year we were able to implement the technology, journalism, comprehensive health, arts, social sciences, trades, visual arts, innovations, entrepreneurship, and research project modules. In addition, we carry out many special sessions, focused on topics such as computing, water system management, civil protection and the operation of a fire station.
In most of the sessions of the second semester of the year, more than 40 students participated, since we allowed a little more than the original quota of 40 to register. Normally, the modules begin with an introductory session where the topic to be discussed is explored. Regarding the arts module, for example, the different expressions of art and what they include are investigated. With the integral health module, we start by discussing what health means and what forms of health we know about, including physical, emotional and psychological. Then different jobs are presented that are related to these areas. We keep in mind that students have prior knowledge, so during the introductory sessions existing ideas from the children are explored. The methodology that Mundo de Talentos applies in terms of vocational guidance focuses on the development of the soft skills of the students. The science module emphasizes the importance of observation and asking questions while during 'innovations' we work on the ability to try new things. In the section on the Mundo de Talentos methodology.
2. Alumni project (San Cristóbal)
After participating in the Mundo de Talentos program for two years, our students receive their diploma and continue to be part of our community in the Graduates project. Every year, this group in San Cristóbal de Las Casas is nourished by 40 students. The activities are broader than the basic program and are implemented monthly instead of weekly. In addition, it is not a requirement to continuously participate in the workshops: students will be part of the group of graduates for life and can participate whenever they want. For the design and preparation of the sessions we have the Alumni Council: a group of 6-8 young graduates who are in charge of designing the content of the program. Through the graduate project we offer courses and workshops aiming to:
The activities are diverse and are aimed at continuing to motivate young people to continue studying and training. They are also invited to participate in certain activities with the new generations to serve as an example and source of inspiration. In total, we implement a minimum of 10 workshops with graduates per year. In addition, the Alumni Council has monthly meetings to propose and prepare the sessions.
In November 2022, the graduates went on an excursion to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Pablo Guardado Chávez University in Tuxtla Gutiérrez (the capital of Chiapas). They visited the nursing area, the delivery and expulsion area, and the microbiology laboratory. Another example of the activities of the graduates was a visit to the Parmentier Culinary Institute in San Cristóbal de Las Casas during the Gastronomy masterclass. Chef Julio César Martínez Orantes shared the basic aspects of gastronomy and the correct handling and preparation of the ingredients. He also focused on reducing food waste. After this introduction, the students got to work and prepared a delicious Bolognese pasta tart and a fruit tart.
We also held online sessions with graduates during 2022, for example, with employees of the human resources company Randstad México. During this interactive session they learned about Randstad's work and how to prepare as a candidate for a job opening. Along with the speakers, they focused on the importance of designing a good curriculum. What kind of skills do you mention? What is the importance of an extracurricular activity? Through a role play they practiced interview techniques; How do you introduce yourself? Our former students finished the class inspired and with their first resume on paper.
During 2021 we developed the preparatory work for the expansion of our vocational guidance activities towards the rural area of Chiapas. We were able to connect with a secondary school, located in the municipality of Teopisca, 30 minutes from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, that was interested in participating in the program. During the first months of 2022 we implemented a pilot project with students of 1st and 2nd year of secondary school in Teopisca. Young people of this age decided to want to continue studying, which is why it is an excellent time to continue motivating them through a process of vocational guidance.
We carried out 10 Saturday sessions, with 20 students. The professions and crafts that were covered during the pilot were intercultural communication, gastronomy, biology, jewelry, social work, production of tropical plants, and psychology. On Saturday, May 14, we celebrated the closing of activities, in the presence of parents, and school authorities. In general, everyone agreed that the project had been of great value and had all the potential to continue. The intention was to continue with our vocational guidance activities in rural areas as of September 2022, however, a series of security incidents that occurred in the municipality of Teopisca did not allow the project to be executed. At the end of 2023 we decided to suspend the Mundo de Talentos activities in rural areas indefinitely.
From September to November 2022 Mundo de Talentos implemented a pilot in the city of Oaxaca that was fully funded by the sponsor and educational partner Hotel con Corazón. The Children's Museum of Oaxaca (MIO) lent us its facilities throughout the pilot. The alliance with the MIO made possible an excellent implementation of the activities in a highly inspiring place. The pilot was carried out with 20 students from various public primary schools. After a very positive evaluation from all involved, we could continue with this class of 20 students in January 2023. With sufficient financial support, we will continue with another full class of 40 students in September 2023.
During the pilot, we implemented eight sessions on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. in the facilities of the Children's Museum of Oaxaca, with the following themes:
Based on the results we obtained from the surveys and the evidence from parents, students, and speakers, we conclude that the pilot in Oaxaca was a great success. As of January 14, 2023, Mundo de Talentos has continued work with the 20 students who signed up for the pilot. The program will include six modules divided into 4 sessions each, apart from a series of special sessions, to complete the first year of the project in June 2023. Mundo de Talentos aims to open a new generation of 40 students in September 2023 once we achieve sufficient financial support. Hotel con Corazón will continue to be our sponsor and educational ally as of September 2023. The workspace will continue to be the Children's Museum of Oaxaca (MIO).
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